Confusion Over Money as Relatives Press Concerns With Malaysia Airlines

Relatives await news about passengers of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane on Monday at MetroPark Lido Hotel in Beijing.

European Pressphoto Agency

Families of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 continued talks with airline officials Wednesday, after many expressed anger over lack of information and poor conditions.

Many relatives are demanding more information, a more attention from authorities and the freedom to be airlifted to Kuala Lumpur on an airline other than Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Airlines announced in a press briefing Tuesday evening that it was reviewing family requests. “We are working with family members to find the best and most reasonable solution,” said airlines spokesman Ignatius Ong, noting that the airlines was working to help any family member fly to Malaysia to be closer to the source of updates.

The company is also examining requests regarding financial assistance, Mr. Ong said. He declined to disclose details of their requests.

Families were informed Monday night that immediate relatives of MH370 passengers would receive 31,000 yuan, roughly $5000, in aid that’s intended to help them with day-to-day expenses and not as bereavement compensation, the spokesman said. Many families were worried that the aid was being offered as bereavement. “It’s not about the amount,” Mr. Ong said, noting that the money is intended to help Chinese families who are away from home and awaiting news of the plane.

The airlines has not yet dispersed the funding and is looking for the best ways to do so, the spokesman said. He added that 12 relatives of MH370 passengers flew from to Malaysia from Beijing overnight Monday, landing in the country Tuesday, according to airlines spokesman Ignatius Ong. Each family group was given a caretaker and will be regularly updated from the command center, Mr. Ong said.

Passengers’ relatives have been waiting for news in a Beijing hotel near the airport, and have been increasingly agitated because of a lack of information and attention from authorities and the airline. Many families have complained that the airline and Chinese government have been slow to react. They’ve also complained of insufficient beds and meals to cover extended family awaiting information.

The spokesman said that 42 vessels and 35 aircraft are involved in the search and rescue effort, which has expanded to cover the eastern and western sides of the country. “As of now, there are still no findings,” he said.

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